Changes in Serum Levels of Erythropoietin, Nitric Oxide and Calcium Ions in Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Full-Term Newborns

Hypoxia is one of the main factors in the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in full-term newborns. Hypoxia causes pathological changes in organ blood supply and enhances the inflammatory response. The development and application of new methods and noninvasive biomarkers to optimize the early diagnosis of NEC are important due to the high incidence, disability, and mortality associated with this condition. New biomarkers must be sufficiently informative and have clinical and pathogenetic significance. The aim of the study was to assess the significance of new biomarkers – erythropoietin (EPO), nitric oxide (NO), and calcium ions (Ca) – for the early diagnosis of NEC in full-term newborns. A total of 100 full-term newborns with NEC and 30 conditionally healthy infants (control group) were examined. Serum levels of the biomarkers were measured in newborns of both groups. A statistically significant increase in EPO and NO levels and a decrease in Ca levels were found in patients, depending on the stage of NEC. The results indicate that EPO, NO, and Ca are biomarkers that allow for the identification of NEC in full-term newborns and help detect severe forms of the disease.